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Flames players brighten day of cancer-stricken fan

Madi Freeman's battle against leukemia got a bit easier for one day thanks to her favorite hockey team.

Freeman, a Calgary Flames fan who recently celebrated her 17th birthday, was diagnosed with leukemia in February. Her 12-year-old brother Ty sent a letter to Flames coach Bob Hartley asking for a meet-and-greet for his sister and their family with the team.

She got something even better this week when Flames forward Joe Colborne and mascot Harvey the Hound visited Madi at her home in High River, Alberta to celebrate her birthday. Colborne brought a bouquet of flowers, a birthday cake and other presents, including jerseys from Colborne and teammate Sean Monahan. Monahan also talked to Madi via Skype from his offseason home in Toronto.

Colborne said when Freeman feels healthy enough, she and her brother will be guests of Colborne and Monahan for a Flames game at Scotiabank Saddledome.